Chat us through the process of how you created your piece:
After reading the manifesto I felt that there were so many issues I wanted to cover, so I narrowed down the themes I wanted to convey and decided to photograph a couple of friends in strong powerful poses. This then became the reference in creating my illustration. I use a Wacom tablet to illustrate and start off roughly sketching and blocking out areas with colour. I revisit my drawing multiple times adding detail and playing around with colour. When creating my illustrations, I am constantly seeking fashion, makeup and facial expression inspiration to make my drawings realistic and a reflection of current trends.
How did the manifesto influence your ideas for the piece?
The manifesto inspired my whole illustration in many ways. Firstly, my intent was to express individuality authenticity and self-expression though the women in my illustration. All the women in my illustration are inspired by the idea that we should accept ourselves, be real and let people see who we are. I also wanted to celebrate women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities and encourage people that we are all ‘perfectly imperfect’ so I illustrated the women to appear diverse, confident and authentic. My talented friend Jovana Tomic is a goal-kicking entrepreneur with her own fashion label DZO. I illustrated one of the women wearing a DZO silk top designed by Jov to represent bold, brave and fearless women who are chasing their dreams and not giving a f*** what other people think. I also included the whole manifesto on one of the t-shirts because I felt these words were too amazing not to include.
Why did the Power Project resonate with you?
The manifesto resonates with me because I feel that once we accept and believe in ourselves we can achieve anything.
Try not to compare yourself to others, have confidence in yourself and embrace your own journey.
How did you find the confidence to express yourself through your art?
For me I have never been great putting pen to paper and expressing my ideas, opinions and beliefs into words. It feels more natural to express my feelings and emotions through illustration.
Why do you think it is important to share and express yourself through your art?
It is important that everyone finds an outlet that is right for them to express themselves whether it’s through fashion, music, tattoos, dance, words or any other forms, rather than to keep it bottled up.
What does empowerment mean to you?
To me, empowerment means having the confidence and power to create change. Not letting people determine the course of your future, but rather creating your own future.
Who inspires you?
All the women who have come before me and been fearless in fighting for change. Malala Yousafzai in particular is a stand out, being shot by the Taliban she never stood down in what she believes in. Malala has campaigned for girl’s rights since she was only 11-years-old, which is just incredible.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
That qualities you admire in other people are probably qualities you have, you just need to be confident and believe in yourself and know that you are worthy.
What is the best piece of advice you can offer to other women?
Try not to compare yourself to others, have confidence in yourself and embrace your own journey.
If you were able to change one thing in the world what would it be?
For everyone to feel empowered through the eradication of poverty. Access to clean water, fresh foods, hygienic sanitation, health services and education are all factors that contribute to poverty and I would love to be able to do more to improve these issues and help combat poverty.
